Food Safety Alert: oyster possible norovirus contamination

Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of a recall involving frozen, half-shell oysters. The products were distributed nationwide, including Colorado, and may have been sold in Mesa County. The food is being recalled due to a potential contamination of norovirus.

Description of Recalled Product

• Frozen, half-shell oysters.
• Harvested from the Republic of Korea and distributed by Khee Trading, Inc. (Compton, CA) and JC Foods, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT) to restaurants and retailers.
• Lot number is B231227. 
• They were processed on 12/28/2023.

What Should Consumers Do

• Consumers should check their freezers for any of the recalled items and throw them out.
• Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste the same, so it’s important to be cautious and not consume these products.
• The oysters could be a source of germs, so wash hands after handling them.
• Immediately wash and sanitize any cutting boards, countertops, or utensils that may have touched the oysters.
• Visit the FDA’s website for additional information about the recalled oysters.

Norovirus Description

• Norovirus is a very contagious virus that spreads easily.
• The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
• Dehydration is a concern for people who are sick with norovirus, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. 
• Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. 
• If you are worried about severe dehydration, contact your doctor.
• Most people with norovirus get better within 1 to 3 days.
• Stay home when you’re sick for two days after symptoms stop.